Analysts hail President

MDC director for policy and implementation, Mr Qubani Moyo, said it was now up to the parties to put into practice what the President said.
“It is a very welcome speech because we need to ensure that there is peace and stability for the country to hold free and fair elections,” he said.

Mr Moyo said it was now up to the political leadership to ensure that their supporters practiced co-existence on the ground.
Zimbabwe Development party president Mr Kisinoti Mukwazhe said his party welcomed the President’s call for tolerance.
“As a party we believe in living in harmony. We urge people to respect what the President said and to practice co-existence on the ground.

“Those words came from a revolutionary, a liberator and a father. When he says those things he is very sincere. Now it is up to those in the lower structures of political parties to heed his call,” said Mr Mukwazhi.
Dr Charity Manyeruke, a lecturer in the Department of International Relations at the University of Zimbabwe, said President Mugabe had exhibited political maturity that other leaders have failed to do.

“This is the kind of political maturity that will take the country forward because the President has been able to analyse the situation on the ground. We need the kind of political maturity that has been exhibited by the President because his speech is all embracing by calling on all Zimbabweans to work together,” she said.
Mr Goodwine Mureriwa added: “That was a very statesman like speech because the President is able to separate national issues from partisan ones. The President gave a speech advocating for peace, tolerance and stability at a time the country needs that. People can see that the President is consistent in making people enjoy their freedom a few days after MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai claimed that Zanu-PF’s hands were dripping with blood,” Mr Mureriwa said.

Addressing thousands of mourners at the National Heroes Acre on Sunday, President Mugabe said Zimbabweans should tolerate each other’s political and social preferences ahead of the harmonised elections.

He urged leaders to earn respect through good deeds.
President Mugabe said it was important for people to accept that they may have differences by allowing others to have their own preferences.

He said people should be allowed to vote for their preferred candidates.
Cde Mudenge died in Masvingo after collapsing in his hotel room.